style="MARGIN: 5pt -49.4pt 5pt -40pt LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">The history of artificial or fake grass is to say the least an
interesting one and arose out of the social desire to in-effect
ward off what could be seen, as far back as the 1950s, as an
increasingly unhealthy tendency by youngsters not to exercise.
History has it that birth of synthetic grass began through
attempts by scientists trying to develop a type of grass that
would not only allow children and adolescents to play on
regardless of the weather condition but encouraged them to do so,
in other words, a surface that they enjoyed using or a user
friendly surface. Hence the advent of fake or artificial grass.
The result was one of the early prototypes of what we now know to
be fake or artificial grass. The earlier types were not only hard
under foot and made for impracticality especially where sports
and children were concerned given the tendencies to fall but were
very unpopular. Conversely, however, in terms of workability and
endurance this surface proved itself worthy, with the originally
playing field where the fake grass surface was installed lasting
twenty years of solid wear.
Claims that in terms of practicalities due to poor drainage and
its tendency to rot fake grass has limited applicability are
unsubstantiated. Furthermore, highly contentious arguments
revolving around the argument that artificial grass causes more
on-field injuries when used in sports-grounds is again unfounded
and may be derived from factions wanting to see this type of
surfacing a thing of the past. The claim by the industry is that
if laid correctly no problems should occur. In fact, if anything,
this type of surface should encourage better drainage enabling
competitive sports to continue play with less interruption time
due to rain.
Today the advances in artificial grass surfaces are enormous and
can’t be down-played. It is common practice to no longer use
asphalt as an underlay beneath the surface of the grass which has
increased the shock absorption provided by the grass, decreased
the retention of heat during summer and further improving the
drainage ability of the grass. Finally and possibly most
importantly no longer does fake grass look, both on and off T.V
like the earlier versions of fake grass, that is, FAKE.
Typically artificial grass is approximately 3cm thick (from base
to blade tip). The material of the ‘blades’ themselves are a
polyethylene-polypropylene blend which are then woven into a
mat-like backing (much like that of carpet). The only maintenance
that is recommended is that the surface be given a once over each
month, which involves rubbing it down. It you were to get this
done professionally it is estimated that it would cost no more
than a couple of thousand dollars a year. While this may
initially sound a lot when compared to the water costs alone for
the real thing – there is virtually no comparison. For those
still sceptical and missing the small things associated with
‘real’ grass consider this. In America, consumers missing the
smell associated with cut grass can purchase, that is right,
purchase a can whose contents promise that ‘just cut smell’!
But wait there is more……in addition, other requests by customers
have included wanting to have the newly laid ‘fake’ lawn have the
same effect as when you just cut real grass and there are the
alternating light and dark bands of grass. This too can be
achieved…..ah the marvels of modern society.
Once perceived as being exclusively for those at the lower end of
the socioeconomic scale, time-and resource-poor, fake grass has
now become the stable for all regards of income bracket. With
everyone becoming increasingly time-limited and wanting immediate
results - ‘visual’ perfection – artificial grass answers both
these requirements.
As already mentioned fake grass has many advantages being both
low maintenance, cheap and providing reliable year-round good
looks for those concerned with their gardens aesthetic
appearance. Especially in areas where water is particularly
scarce and or for areas whether there is heavy usage – i.e.
constant foot traffic – then fake or artificial grass may provide
a practical solution. What is more, with fake or artificial grass
there is no limit to the amount of area you wish to cover and
up-keep is negligible especially when compared to the
requirements of real grass. Golfing greens require the employ of
a number of full-time ‘green keepers’ whose job it is to solely
look after the lawns!!!! For those without this luxury in budget
or time the alternative is clearly …….fake grass. No need for
pesticides, watering, mowing, and replacing of dead patches
etcetera.
While slow to catch on in many Westernized countries, Asian
nations who are resource tight have long used fake grasses for
their play-grounds, private lawns and commercial turfs.
Furthermore, using fake grass removes the threat of degradation
by human or other pests. The laying of fake grass is also
immediate – like that of carpet. Another advantage is that is
does not have to be a permanent fixture but can be lifted at any
time.
HCOA is a directory of information on mowers, tractors,
fertilizers, grass and outdoor appliances. For more information
you can visit their website at http://www.hcoa.com.au
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